Plus, attend today's Veterans Day Parade.
 
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✍️ Local Gov. 101

Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Columbia-SC
An aerial view of the State House | Photo via Trinity Partners
Class is in session, Soda Citizens. We’re teaching Columbia Gov. 101, where we break down different aspects of our local government to become engaged Soda Citizens that create healthier (and more effective) communities.

City Council

With election results this week, we thought we’d revisit and break down Columbia’s City Council. How does it work? In short, the Mayor and City Council members develop policies and enact laws. Columbia’s City Council is made up of:
  • The Mayor
  • Council District members (4)
  • At-Large Council members (2).
Who’s who? Let’s start at the top. We’ll give you a peek into our City Council members but strongly encourage you to get to know them by clicking on their names and exploring each member’s bio page on the City of Columbia’s website.

The Mayor

Mayor Rickenmann

Mayor Rickenmann

|

Photo from Columbiasc.gov

Daniel J. Rickenmann | Mayor Rickenmann was raised in Spartanburg, graduated from USC, was a local entrepreneur, served two stints on the Columbia City Council, and was sworn in on January 4, 2022. He is expected to serve a four-year term.

Council members

Councilwoman Tina N. Herbert, District One | Councilwoman Herbert is a workers’ compensation attorney with Mickle and Bass, LLC. She’s also an Economic and Community Development Committee Member, a Public Safety Committee Member, and sits as a chairwoman on the Technology Committee.

Councilman Edward H. McDowell Jr., District Two | Councilman McDowell is an Administrative Policy Committee, Arts and Historic Preservation Committee, and an Environment and Infrastructure Committee Chair member. Councilman Ed McDowell Jr. ran unopposed in the most recent Nov. 7 election and will begin a new term at the start of the new year.

Councilman Will Brennan, District Three | Councilman Brennan was born and raised in Columbia and will keep his District Three position after winning the election on Tuesday, Nov. 7, garnering 84 percent of the votes. He will begin a new term at the start of the year.

Councilman Peter Michael Brown, District Four | This seat was vacant after Councilman Joe E. Taylor Jr. unexpectedly died in 2022. A special election was held for this vacant seat on March 28, and Councilman Brown will serve as the District Four Councilman through 2025.

Councilwoman Aditi Bussells, At-Large | Councilwoman Aditi Bussells is a founding partner of Resilient Richland and believes Columbia can be a prosperous destination for families to live, work, and play.

Councilman Howard Duvall, At-Large | Councilman Howard Duvall is the former mayor of Cheraw. He also serves as an Environment and Infrastructure Committee Member, is a chairman for the Public Safety Committee, and is a Technology Committee Member.

Tyler Bailey, Soon-to-be At-Large | Soon-to-be Councilman Bailey was voted to serve City Council after Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7. He will replace Councilman Howard Duvall, who did not run for reelection and whose term will last until the end of the year.
More about our local government
City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.
Asked

What should the topic of our next installment of Local Gov. 101 be?
We’ve covered some of your local government questions before in our full guide, but we want to know what else you’re curious about.
Help us help you
Events
Friday, Nov. 10
  • Wingard’s Market Holiday Soiree | Friday, Nov. 10 | 9 a.m. | Wingard’s Market,1403 N Lake Dr., Lexington | Free | Sip on mulled wine while you shop for holiday gifts.
  • Arts & Draughts | Friday, Nov. 10 | 7-10 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $15 | Columbia’s most creative party is back with live screen printing from Screened Out Printers and this time it’s celebrating Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous.
Saturday, Nov. 11
  • SC DNR Boater Education Course | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Columbia Sailing Club, 292 Shuler Rd., Columbia | Free | Registration must be completed in advance through the SC DNR website.
  • Holiday and Cookbook Pop-Up Sale | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library, 6251 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia | Free | Holiday books, cookbooks, puzzles, and some specialty items will be available at this pop-up sale.
  • California Wine Tasting | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 3-4 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard, 1207 Hampton St., Columbia | $33 | Sip and learn about the wines of California and try 6 different wines with advanced sommelier Jonathan Lopez.
  • Day of the Dead Celebration | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | This free event includes a Day of the Dead altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dances, a live painting session, and other cultural activities.
Sunday, Nov. 12
Saturday, Nov. 18
  • Sergio Hudson: Conversation with the Designer | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 1:30-3 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $100; $75 for members | On opening day of “Sergio Hudson: Focused on the Fit,” join Community Curator Megan Pinckney Rutherford for an intimate conversation with this acclaimed, Ridgeway-born designer.*
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
Holiday

Finance

4 tips to host a holiday party (without breaking the bank)
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Happy friends having holiday dinner sitting around a table.
Here’s how to sleigh this holiday season while sticking to a budget. | Photo provided by AllSouth Federal Credit Union
‘Tis the season for entertaining, Cola. If you have plans to be the host with the most during the holidays — without spending the most — we have a few tips (with help from AllSouth) that may help.

Create a budget.

While your instinct may be to go all out and really deck the halls, it’s best to go in with a budget to prevent overspending as you plan your holiday event.

Try e-invites.

Instead of paying for paper and postage, you can send digital invites and have your guests RSVP online. Not only is it cost-effective, it’s also easier to keep up with.

Check your pantry before food shopping.

Take an inventory of your pantry to see which staple ingredients (i.e. holiday spices, flour for baking, breadcrumbs and beans for casseroles, etc.) you have on hand already.

Think vintage for decor.

We have plenty of flea markets, trade, vintage, and resale shops in Columbia. Take a look around and see if you can find inexpensive decor for your holiday party.
See more ways to save this season
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Vicious Biscuit — a fast-casual, over-the-top creative comfort meal restaurant — is coming soon to Forest Drive, where the Pizza Joint used to be. Vicious Biscuit is already bringing in kitchen equipment, and be on the lookout for an opening date soon.
Travel
  • Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) now lets passengers book flights directly through its website using FlyMyAirport software. Integrated by Airport One, LLC, the tool allows users to explore and book domestic, international, nonstop, or connecting flights.
Today Is
  • Veterans Day (observed), a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday, and help honor our military personnel by attending today’s 45th Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m.
Edu
  • The Heathwood Hall Boyd PEAK Center celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the culmination of Heathwood’s leadership program — Pursuit of Environmental Adventure and Knowledge (PEAK). Funded by the Boyd Foundation, the facility aims to inspire outdoor appreciation + leadership.
Shop
  • The 2023 Babcock Center Holiday Ornament, unveiled by Mayor Rickenmann, features Riverfront Park + is the 31st in the collector’s series. Each ornament, crafted in 24-karat gold on brass, supports the Babcock Center Foundation. Ornaments are $22.
Seasonal
  • Celebrate the holiday season with Columbia’s Premier Homes for the Holidays Tour, happening on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 5 p.m. This annual charitable event showcases downtown Columbia’s architecture and festive home décor, supporting local businesses, schools, and associations.
Outdoors
  • This weekend, Annette of Sal’s Ol Timey Feed & Seed is hosting a native plant sale at her home (580 Rose Sharon Rd., Lexington) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a variety of perennials, including seven species of milkweed.
Biz
  • Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation recently announced the hiring of six new key executives. Meet the group, described by CEO Lou Kennedy as unmatched in regard to their industry knowledge and experience.*
Travel
  • See why The New York Times named Greenville as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023.” Plus, snag a free Visitor’s Guide to start planning your trip.*
 
Seasonal

🎄 It’s going to be lit

Attend the 38th Vista Lights event in Columbia
Vista lig
Vista Lights brings locals near to share in holiday cheer. | Photo provided by the Vista Guild.
The 38th Vista Lights event — presented by Prisma Health — is returning on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6-10 p.m.

Parts of Gervais, Park, and Lincoln Streets will be blocked off and filled with festive, family-fun activities — we’re talking 60+ galleries, shops, and restaurants opening their doors to showcase local holiday treasures.

Vista Lights

There’s so much more to enjoy — see a full list of Vista Lights happenings and plan to attend. | Photo provided by AC Public Relations

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
  • Before you do anything, plan your trip with this handy map.
  • Gather ‘round the tree in the Vista and attend its yearly lighting happening at 7 p.m.
  • You better watch out, because Santa Claus is making an appearance at the 94.3 The Dude Kids’ Zone on Lincoln Street
  • Heads up parents — the kiddos will likely ask you to hold their new balloon art before climbing into a giant snow globe + showing off their fresh face paint.
  • Live music entertainment will be rocking throughout the night — like Prettier than Matt, the Soda City Brass Band, and Palmetto Carolers.
  • Easel Cathedral will be on-site creating a live painting of the event + don’t forget to browse several local galleries.
  • Prisma Health will be providing blood pressure + BMI checks.
The Buy

The Buy 11.10.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
An instant read meat thermometer. Because Thanksgiving is only 13 days away, and if you’re planning to serve turkey, it’s nice to serve it cooked.
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The Wrap
 
Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam
From the editor
Speaking of government news. Here’s a statewide update for you. Gov. Henry McMaster and Executive Director William Floyd — with the state Department of Employment and Workforce — announced that SC’s 2024 unemployment insurance tax rates will decrease or remain the same for all employers. According to Floyd, SC’s unemployment rate is down to 2.9%. (Upstate Business Journal)
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